Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged for the preservation and celebration of African cultural heritage, stressing its importance to the continent’s identity.
Obasanjo made these remarks on Sunday, January 26, during a luncheon hosted in honour of renowned female drummer, Aralola Olamuyiwa, also known as Ara, at the Green Legacy Resort within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
Lamenting the relegation of African traditions in favour of Western cultures, Obasanjo stated, “Culture is the totality of who we are. Unfortunately, we have relegated some aspects of our culture to the background—our food, our language, our dress, and so on.”
He also expressed concern over the diminishing status of African languages, notably Yoruba, which he emphasised should be celebrated as “authentic” and not dismissed as “vernacular.”
Reflecting on the cultural significance of African beliefs, he said, “I am a Christian, but whoever says Ifa Orunmila is nothing must be a fool. Orunmila has been with us before Christianity or Islam.”
Obasanjo praised Ara for breaking cultural taboos and helping to preserve African heritage through her mastery of the talking drum, a traditional instrument.
“Growing up, there were two things you would never see a woman doing: climbing a palm tree or drumming. But Ara, with her tenacity, has broken that barrier,” Obasanjo said.
“She is now known all over the world as a drummer, helping sustain our cultural heritage.”
He encouraged young people to be inspired by Ara’s determination, saying, “Whatever good your hands find to do, do it well, and I will celebrate you.”
Ara, who had survived a life-threatening illness the previous year, expressed her deep gratitude to the former President, acknowledging the honour as a moment she would treasure for the rest of her life.
The Ondo State-born drummer shared that the celebration of her 50th birthday was a way of giving thanks to God for her recovery and continued success on the global stage.
Obasanjo’s remarks and celebration of Ara serve as a reminder of the importance of nurturing and preserving Africa’s rich cultural traditions amidst growing globalisation.
